Brody Klinge earned a place in the quarter‑finals of the KenoGo Australian Darts Masters after pulling off a stunning upset over Ross Smith in Wollongong. Klinge was the only Oceanic player to claim a win on a spectacular opening day at the WIN Entertainment Centre, snatching an 11‑dart finish that clinched a nail‑biting deciding leg against Smith.
The match was a roller‑coaster. Smith produced eight perfect darts, delivering a dazzling display that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. Yet he faltered at the crucial moment, missing two match darts in the final leg.
Klinge seized the opportunity, securing the biggest triumph of his career. "I’m over the moon with that," Klinge said, noting his 96 average compared with Smith’s 102.88. "It was the adrenaline rush of my life.
I felt a lot more comfortable playing this time around and it showed in my performance, I think. Ross was throwing everything at me. I was lucky he missed at the end there, but I took my chance. I’m on a free rein now.
I’m just going to do my best and keep going. There’s no pressure on me." His reward is a clash with world No. 2 Gian van Veen on Finals Day, after van Veen produced a spectacular 161 checkout to seal a 6‑3 win over Raymond Smith. The night’s headline act, however, belonged to James Wade, who posted a staggering 112.73 average – the second‑highest ever recorded in a World Series of Darts event in Australia – as he demolished Tim Pusey in six straight legs.
Wade’s performance was a masterclass in precision and composure. He finished the match with a 164 checkout and will now face Stephen Bunting in the quarter‑finals. "That felt amazing.
Everything just fell into my hands there," Wade admitted. "I think I’m guilty of sometimes forgetting how lucky I am to do what I do, but I’m just happy to be here and I’m playing alright. If I replicate that level tomorrow everyone is stuffed, but tomorrow is a different day!" The tournament also featured a strong showing from 2024 champion Gerwyn Price, who will meet Josh Rock in a compelling last‑eight encounter on Saturday.
Price dispatched Simon Whitlock 6‑2, stringing together four consecutive legs and hitting back‑to‑back 124 and 108 checkouts. Rock mirrored that dominance, beating Adam Leek 6‑3 with four straight legs of his own.
Jonny Clayton will square off against Australian number one Damon Heta after a hard‑fought 6‑3 victory over Ben Robb, keeping his hopes of back‑to‑back World Series titles alive. Heta, meanwhile, posted a 102.39 average in a 6‑2 demolition of fellow countryman Joe Comito. In another notable match, Stephen Bunting rallied from a 0‑3 deficit to defeat Mal Cuming 6‑3, showcasing his resilience under pressure. The 2026 Australian Darts Masters will culminate with quarter‑finals, semi‑finals and the final all taking place during a blockbuster evening session at the WIN Entertainment Centre on Saturday.
The first‑round results (best of 11 legs) were: Brody Klinge 6‑5 Ross Smith, Stephen Bunting 6‑3 Mal Cuming, Josh Rock 6‑3 Adam Leek, James Wade 6‑0 Tim Pusey, Gian van Veen 6‑3 Raymond Smith, Jonny Clayton 6‑3 Ben Robb, Gerwyn Price 6‑2 Simon Whitlock, Damon Heta 6‑2 Joe Comito. Quarter‑finals (best of 11 legs, from 10 am UK time) will see Gerwyn Price vs Josh Rock, James Wade vs Stephen Bunting, Gian van Veen vs Brody Klinge, and Jonny Clayton vs Damon Heta. The semi‑finals (best of 13 legs) will pit the winners of Price/Rock against Wade/Bunting, and the victors of Van Veen/Klinge against Clayton/Heta.
The final will be contested over a best‑of‑15‑leg format. Beyond the Australian event, darts fans can look ahead to the BoyleSports World Grand Prix, where world No. 1 Luke Littler will defend his title.
The tournament runs from September 28 to October 4 and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, with streaming options available via NOW. Overall, the Australian Darts Masters has delivered a blend of surprise upsets, high‑scoring fireworks, and compelling narratives that set the stage for an exciting conclusion.
With Wade’s near‑record average, Klinge’s breakthrough victory, and the looming clashes among the sport’s elite, the final sessions promise to be a showcase of skill, mental fortitude, and the sheer drama that makes professional darts a global spectacle.